PPS Flyer (PDF)
PPS Manual (PDF)
PPS Base Dimensions (PDF)
PPS 8×12 Pallet Drawing (PDF)
Pro Pallet CAD Models (ZIP)
Legacy PPS Manual (PDF)
Limited Warranty (PDF)
How will the PPS save me time and money?
The PPS lets you load parts outside the machine while the spindle keeps running. Setup time drops dramatically because pallets locate with 0.0003" repeatability — no indicating required. You can hold more parts per cycle and change them out in seconds.
Can I hold a part larger than your 10×16 pallet?
Yes. Bolt multiple pallets to a larger fixture plate that sits on the PPS base. The pallets act as the locating and locking interface, and your fixture plate handles the larger part footprint.
How is the PPS installed in my machine?
The base is clamped to your machine's table using the included toe clamps. It can be oriented in any direction — the lock mechanism works in any orientation.
Would short production runs benefit from this system?
Absolutely. Even a 1-piece run benefits from the repeatability — you set your work offset once and it holds across multiple setups. For runs of 5 or more parts the time savings become very significant.
Other systems are hydraulic. Is the PPS not as powerful?
The PPS has 15,000 lbs of retention force using a spring-powered ball lock — comparable to hydraulic systems and simpler. No hydraulic lines, no maintenance, no risk of fluid leaks in your machine.
What maintenance is required?
Very little. Keep the base locating pins clean and dry. Occasionally apply a small amount of oil to the lead screw. The system is designed for minimal maintenance in a production environment.
Can I get a different sized pallet with the Starter Package?
Yes. Contact us when ordering and specify your desired pallet size. We can configure the starter package with any available pallet size.
Where can I purchase?
Order online at store.piersonworkholding.com or call (800) 352-2894, Mon–Fri 6:30am–3:30pm PST.
What's the biggest difference between the Mini and the Pro Pallet?
The Mini Pallet System is sized for smaller machines with tighter work envelopes. Locking force is 1,500 lbs vs 3,000 lbs on the Pro, and pallet sizes are smaller. For machines with a work envelope under 18×18" and lighter cutting loads, the Mini is often the right choice.
What is the accuracy?
The MPS achieves ±0.0003" repeatability via precision ground locating pins and hardened bushings. Pallets locate consistently every time without indicating.
How rigid is the system?
The spring-powered locking mechanism delivers 1,500 lbs of downward locking force. For less aggressive machining typical of smaller machines this is more than adequate.
Is there a hardware kit available to make custom pallets?
Yes — contact us. The MPS uses a standard locating and locking interface that you can replicate in custom pallet designs using our provided drawings.
Where can I purchase?
Order online at store.piersonworkholding.com or call (800) 352-2894, Mon–Fri 6:30am–3:30pm PST.
How powerful is the holding force?
The holding force is determined by the area of the vacuum seal and the vacuum level. A 9.5×14 chuck at 28" Hg pulls approximately 1,800 lbs of downward force. Actual force depends on part geometry and gasket groove layout.
What types of parts can the SmartVac hold?
The system works best with flat-bottomed parts with a smooth surface finish. It can hold aluminum, steel, plastic, wood, and composites. Parts with holes or complex geometry can still be held using the breakout method or custom top plates.
How does it compare to other vacuum chuck systems?
The SmartVac 3 uses compressed shop air instead of an electric vacuum pump. This makes it significantly less expensive, quieter, and easier to install. The VPU generates 28" Hg — comparable to most electric pumps.
How do I hold odd-shaped parts with holes?
Use the breakout method — route your gasket groove around the features you want to avoid, isolating them from the vacuum zone. You can also use custom top plates with your specific part profile milled in.
What are the gasket groove dimensions?
The recommended gasket groove is 0.125" wide × 0.090" deep (1/8" wide, about 3/32" deep). The SV3-Endmill is designed specifically for cutting this groove.
Can I use it with larger parts than the chuck?
Yes — use multiple chucks run from a single VPU, or use the Twin Base Kit to bolt two bases together for wider coverage.
Can I run multiple chucks from one VPU?
Yes. One VPU can run multiple chucks simultaneously as long as total air consumption stays within the VPU's 0.8 CFM output. For high-demand setups, add a second VPU.
Where can I purchase the SmartVac system?
Order online at store.piersonworkholding.com or call us at (800) 352-2894 Monday–Friday 6:30am–3:30pm PST.
Do I need a tailstock?
No. The RotoVise Pro's rugged construction holds parts close to the face of the rotary unit, eliminating the need for a tailstock in most applications. This keeps your X and Y travels fully available.
What materials can I machine?
The RotoVise Pro handles aluminum, steel, stainless, titanium, and most other machinable materials. The hardened steel jaws and ductile cast iron body provide excellent rigidity for aggressive cuts.
What types of rotary tables can it adapt to?
The adapter plate is compatible with 4 and 6 t-slot patterns and 96mm receiver standards. Custom adapter plates can be made for other configurations.
What is the clamping force?
5,000 lbs per jaw. With two jaws engaged, you have 10,000 lbs total clamping force — more than adequate for aggressive 4th axis machining.
How tight should I clamp?
Clamp to the manufacturer's specified torque of 45 foot-lbs maximum. Over-clamping can damage the lead screw and jaws.
Where can I purchase?
Order at store.piersonworkholding.com or call (800) 352-2894, Mon–Fri 6:30am–3:30pm PST.
Before Ordering
Is my information safe?
Yes. All transactions are processed through secure, encrypted connections. Your personal and payment information is protected and never shared with third parties.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. We also accept money orders, cashier's checks, and personal or company checks.
I'm not able to order online. What should I do?
Call us at (800) 352-2894, Mon–Fri 6:30am–3:30pm PST. We'll be happy to take your order by phone.
Do I pay sales tax?
Sales tax is automatically charged for orders shipped to: Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. Buyers in other states are responsible for applicable use taxes.
Where do orders ship from?
All orders ship from our facility in Simi Valley, California.
After Ordering
How long will it take to process and ship my order?
Most orders received before 2:00 PM PST will ship the same business day.
Can I change my order after placing it?
Due to our fast fulfillment, call us immediately at (800) 352-2894 if you need to change an order. We cannot guarantee changes after an order has been picked.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns of unopened, unused items within 30 days of purchase. A 15% restocking fee applies. Defective items will be exchanged within 30 days of purchase at no charge.
Phone
- Option 1: Sales
- Option 2: Tech Support
- Option 3: Accounting
- Option 4: VacWatch Support
Hours
Monday – Friday
6:30am – 3:30pm PST
Fax
(888) 818-9267
Address
Pierson Workholding671 Cochran St.
Simi Valley, CA 93065